It is the end of an era at the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce.
David Duplisea is stepping down after a decade as CEO, the chamber announced this week.
“I decided that 10 years was enough time and it’s time to move over and let some younger talent take over,” Duplisea said in an interview.
Duplisea began his role with the chamber, then known as the Saint John Board of Trade, back in 2013.
He has witnessed many changes over the years, such as the organization’s expansion to include Quispamsis, Rothesay and Grand Bay-Westfield.
Duplisea said one of the biggest changes he has seen has been the demographic of the chamber.
Its membership is predominantly female now and is trending toward the younger demographic, he said.
“That’s in line with a lot of what we see. Some of the newer entrepreneurs are younger, there’s more females becoming involved in the business world and starting their own companies,” said Duplisea.
Under Duplisea’s 10-year tenure, the chamber said its membership base grew by about 150 businesses and organizations.
One of the biggest challenges for Duplisea was the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said created hardships for chambers across the country.
When the region went into lockdown, the Saint John Region Chamber pivoted and created an online resource information centre for local businesses.
It also distributed free self-screening rapid tests to small- and medium-sized businesses and organizations throughout the region.
“It did take its toll, not only on me but on a lot of my counterparts. Some of the other chambers, as well, found that the transition after the pandemic had just taken its toll,” said Duplisea.
Duplisea’s last day on the job will be Nov. 8, when he co-hosts the organization’s annual Outstanding Business Awards.
As for what comes next for the outgoing CEO, Duplisea said he is going to rest and recharge for at least a couple of months.
“It’s been a long time and it’s a very stressful job. I’m looking forward to getting back to some kind of a work-life balance,” he said.
In the meantime, the chamber will begin a national recruitment campaign in the coming weeks to find its next CEO.
Chairperson Mohamed Bagha said Duplisea has contributed significantly to the chamber since he joined.
“David has created a strong foundation for the new CEO to build on as we start our recruitment efforts,” said Bagha.
“We are optimistic about the future and finding the next new talent that will continue to support our local businesses as they do the big things to grow our region and province.”
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